Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the KTT Matcha. The Ink Box Pink, a linear switch, is best known for its smoothness and lighter typing feel compared to other mechanical switches. It offers a high-pitched clack when in use and is categorized as 'clacky', 'high-pitched', 'silky', and 'polished'. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha is a tactile switch that stands out for its comfortable and snappy tactility while typing. It provides a distinctly clean bottom-out sound thanks to its long pole stem. The Matcha is categorized as 'stepped', 'snappy', 'accented', 'clacky', 'feathery', and 'subtle'. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that make them worth considering. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your keyboard setup.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Box Pink and the KTT Matcha have contrasting housing materials when it comes to their top and bottom housings. The Ink Box Pink utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This creates a satisfying thin and clacky sound when typing. In contrast, the Matcha features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. The use of polycarbonate contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of the polycarbonate plastic enhances the switch's clarity and resonance, making it especially suitable for those who plan to use RGB lighting.
While the top and bottom housings differ between the Ink Box Pink and the Matcha, they both contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. Both switches feature materials that result in a pointed and high-pitched sound, providing a similar clacky typing experience. However, it is worth noting that the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend and the Matcha's polycarbonate housing material may offer slightly differing nuances in their sound profiles.
In terms of aesthetics, the Ink Box Pink's housing does not provide any transparency, while the Matcha's polycarbonate housing is clear. This transparency enables the Matcha to be visually appealing when used with RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant and customizable lighting effects. Therefore, if RGB lighting is a priority for users, the polycarbonate top housing of the Matcha may be a preferable option. Both switches showcase different housing materials that can influence the overall typing experience and customization possibilities based on users' preferences and requirements.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Ink Box Pink has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, whereas the Matcha requires a lighter force of 40 grams. The bottom out force of the Ink Box Pink is also higher at 60 grams, while the Matcha has a lower force of 45 grams. Essentially, the Ink Box Pink provides a medium level of resistance, while the Matcha offers a lighter and gentler touch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Matcha switch, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out. On the other hand, individuals seeking a stronger and more substantial typing feel may find the Ink Box Pink switch to be more suitable. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and whether one prefers a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the KTT Matcha tactile switch. The Ink Box Pink falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it a preferred choice for gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, the Matcha offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more substantial depth for those who prefer a hearty typing experience. While the Ink Box Pink offers a shorter travel distance for quicker key presses, the Matcha provides a bit more travel distance, giving a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Pink has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Pink for $7.65.
The KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is best known for its smoothness and light typing feel. When using these switches, you can expect a higher-pitched clack sound. This sound can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive, which is characteristic of clacky switches with a higher pitch. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha tactile switch offers a comfortable and snappy tactility when typing. It provides a distinctly clean bottom-out sound due to its long pole stem. This switch is also described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed.
When it comes to sound, both the Ink Box Pink and the Matcha switches are described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. However, the Ink Box Pink has a higher-pitched clack sound, while the Matcha has a clean bottom-out sound due to its long pole stem. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Ink Box Pink is known for its silky and polished characteristics. These switches offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The polished finish contributes to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Matcha switch is described as stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle. It has a two-stage tactility, providing a mild bump with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The switch is super responsive, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs, giving it a lively typing experience. It offers a prominent yet not overwhelming amount of tactility, making it suitable for those who prefer a medium tactile switch. Furthermore, the Matcha switch is exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue, and has a gentle resistance that maintains a light typing feel. Its sound signature is also not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch have their own unique qualities. The Ink Box Pink provides a smooth and light typing feel with a higher-pitched clack sound. On the other hand, the Matcha switch offers a comfortable and snappy tactility with a clean bottom-out sound. If you prefer a smoother and lighter typing experience, the Ink Box Pink would be a suitable choice. However, if you desire a tactile switch with a distinct feel and sound, the Matcha switch would be a great option. It's worth noting that individual preferences may vary, and it's always recommended to try out different switches to find the one that suits your typing style and preferences best.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a lighter typing feel and a higher-pitched clack sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and provide a smooth and polished typing experience, thanks to their silky feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a comfortable and snappy tactility, along with a clean bottom-out sound, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is perfect for you. With a light bottom out force of 45 grams, the Matcha switch offers a stepped sensation and is accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and requirements for typing feel, sound, and tactility.
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